(updated 10-16-2020)
CHAPTER NINE
We do what we must...
"The Haydonites employed two types of PSI jammers to prevent the Invid Regess from communicating with the rest of the Invid. The largest and most powerful models were on Optera, with a more portable version installed only on dreadnought-class warships because of the power requirements. Over time, the Regess developed the ability to overcome the portable jammers, but she had to be in close physical proximity to exert all her telepathic power to overcome them. Because of the need and importance of protecting Optera and its supply of Protoculture, these jammers limited the ability to deploy Invid forces in offensive operations. The Alliance tried devising counter-measures with minimal success. There appeared to be no solution to overcoming these jammers until the Regess came up with her own counter-measure..."
— excerpt from "Weapons of the Haydonite-Alliance War"
oOoOo
Captain Wright studied Admiral Coleiro with a worried eye while they reviewed the latest fleet reports. James had been the Admiral's Chief-of-Staff for almost two years now and could read the indications that the Admiral had put in a late night of work.
"Sir, the 4th Fleet reports they have entered the Beta Persei system and have linked up with the remnants of the 2nd Fleet." James said.
Paul stifled a yawn, "Status of the Haydonite fleet?"
"Those enemy ships that could, retreated as the 4th entered the system... our forces are mopping up and clearing the system," James replied.
Paul shook his head tiredly. They had expected the counter-attack against the 2nd Fleet, but it had come sooner and more savagely than expected. Their forces had held, but it was a near thing and at a high cost. The number of ships left in the 2nd Fleet would barely form a battle group. James had already started the paperwork to have Admiral Ergan awarded the Alliance Cross... posthumously. He now had to plan his next moves considering all recent events.
James added, "Sir, Captain W'zazulun reports that the 2nd Fleet still lives and is ready to fight."
Paul closed his eyes, experiencing a mix of pride and sadness. The logical choice was to disband the fleet and integrate those ships able to fight into the 4th Fleet. It was the logical choice, but that didn't make it the right choice.
It was still surprising how quick all the other species in the Alliance had taken to a lot of the human military traditions. Most of them had never had standing militaries of their own. Even those races, like the Tirolians, who had military forces before being conquered by the Haydonites adopted those traditions to integrate their forces easier.
After the liberation of Tirol, Paul understood having his people and the Tirolians work and fight together would be paramount to ensure their survival. As they liberated other races, there was much appreciation and goodwill, but there was also a hesitation and fear of having exchanged one conqueror for a new one.
His decision to share all their technology, with no limitations or conditions, had gone a long way to remove any lingering suspicions or doubts about their intentions.
What finally united all of them was the example the humans set, fighting and sacrificing to free others not of their own species from the Haydonites. It didn't take long for the hasty put together military alliance to morph into something bigger and permanent.
The experience Paul and the other REF members brought from the alternate universe made the negotiations and transition into this new Alliance easier and less painful.
All this weighed on Paul's thoughts as he opened his eyes and looked at James, "Send word to Captain W'zazulun... acknowledge that 2nd Fleet still lives. Tell him to take the 2nd back to the nearest fleet base for repairs and resupply. They will remain in reserve until we can provide reinforcements."
James hesitated before replying, "Yes, sir."
Paul noted the hesitation, "Speak your mind, Captain."
James took a deep breath before voicing his concerns and doubts, "Sir, should we continue the offensive considering these losses and what's happening on Earth? I mean, we've made significant gains and we can hold these gains while we turn and take Earth back."
Paul knew that James had read the reports, forwarded by General Coulson, about what had been happening on Earth during their absence. He read the desire and eagerness to go home on the younger man's face... the same that burned in his blood, "You want to go home... to Buffy?" he said.
It surprised James to see how easily the Admiral had read him, "Y-Yes, sir. You know what's been going on? We have to do something!"
"James..." Paul paused, "There's not a day that doesn't go by I don't think of Faith. I want to go home to her. God, I'm tired of this war and making the decisions, sending countless men and women to their deaths, but that's my job. Whether you or anyone else believes it, everything I have done was to protect Earth from the threat of the Haydonites."
James heard the tiredness tinged with a pain and sadness in the Admiral's voice, but the situation had changed, "But that plan has failed, sir! We need to do something now!" he said, using a more forcefully than he had planned.
Memories of the visions he'd seen tormented his thoughts along with the responsibilities he now carried. Paul sighed, sympathizing with the Captain, If it was only that easy, he thought.
"James, every decision I make has to not only take into account what happens to Earth, but every other planet in the Alliance. We have to keep the pressure on the enemy. If we let them build up their system and planetary defenses, we'll bleed trying to punch through them. With one of their main fleets on the other side of the galaxy, we have an opportunity that we can exploit. Are you asking me to turn my back on all the suffering and sacrifices made by our allies to end this war and be free?"
James sighed, realizing whether or not he liked it, the Admiral had a point. From a purely strategic viewpoint, Earth was a sideshow compared to the struggle taking place here. He could argued that the members of the Arcadia Expedition had suffered too. But he'd seen firsthand the organic processing facilities on the planets they'd liberated. He was well aware how the other races had suffered for generations under Haydonite rule. Earth would suffer under Haydonite occupation, but it would only be for a short time in comparison. He looked at the "big picture" in a cold and calculating way, and a part of him hated himself for it.
Paul saw the conflict raging inside his aide as his words sank in. He sympathized, but he had limited options. That didn't mean he didn't have any options available.
"Captain..."
"Yes, sir."
"I've been reviewing the fleet training schedules and the new deployments. The 27th Battlecruiser Squadron is just finishing up its shakedown training. They're scheduled to join us in the next couple of weeks."
"Yes, sir."
"Taking into account the changing strategic situation, and that we won't be facing the 12th Grand Fleet, I think we can forgo them reinforcing us. I think we could employ them better with the 7th Fleet, don't you agree?" Paul said, a whisper of a smile forming on his face.
James immediately picked up on what the Admiral was doing, "Yes, sir. I concur with your decision. I can expedite their transfer?" he replied, mirroring the Admiral's smile.
"Please see to it, Captain."
oOoOo
"Attention on deck!"
Willow belatedly responded to Captain Tami addressing everyone in the auditorium, finding herself the last one to stand as General Coulson strode on the stage.
"At ease, everyone." Coulson said, standing at the lectern on the stage.
Willow felt lost and out of place as she glanced around the room as she sat down. She was still wondering why she was here, but Samantha, who was sitting next to her, said the General wanted them both here for this briefing.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have several pieces of news... First, Admiral Coleiro has given his provisional approval for planning the operation to take back Earth..."
Willow cheered, but caught herself as she drew a mix of stares and amused looks from the gathered crowd. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she could have sworn seeing the start of a smile on General Coulson's face.
The General continued, "The codename for this operation is 'Redemption' with the Arcadia as flagship for the newly designated 7th Fleet. Before we go any further, I have one other piece of news... Admiral Coleiro has launched 'Operation Downfall'."
This news brought unleashed a torrent of chatter among the crowd. Willow was at a complete loss, not knowing what was going on. She glanced at Samantha and saw the same look of confusion.
Coulson added, "For those of you unaware, 'Operation Downfall' is the overall codename for the final offensive operation against the Haydonite Hegemony. This operation has different phases and objectives before we can assault the enemy's homeworld. As of yesterday at 1430 galactic standard time, the 5th Fleet has begun operations... codenamed 'Majestic' in the Tallus system."
An eruption of cheers filled the auditorium, overwhelming Willow. As the cheering continued, she studied the different aliens throughout the room. An involuntary chill ran down her back, seeing predator-like looks on some of the cheering aliens.
One officer that looked like a giant bear spoke up, "Sir, how will this affect our operation?"
Coulson nodded, "Good question, Captain. Most of the fleet reinforcements will go to support the main offensive, so we don't expect to get much in the way of major fleet units."
Willow sensed the letdown in the room from this news.
Coulson added, "I received word from Admiral Coleiro this morning. He's giving us Skull squadron along with the other fighter squadrons here on Tirol. We are also getting most drone fighters held in reserve here."
This started murmuring among the audience as Coulson continued, "The 27th Battlecruiser squadron is just undergoing shakedown trials. They were to join up with the 1st Fleet once finished, but the Admiral is transferring them to us. We'll be getting ten Shimakaze-class Battlecruisers and her escorts, which added to our existing fleet will bring us up to nearly sixty ships."
Another officer spoke out, "Sir? That will not be enough to launch a major operation against the 12th Grand Fleet and retake a planet!"
Coulson nodded, "I know. Even with those ships and the fighter squadrons we're getting, it won't be enough. That's why I'm going to the Alliance Council to ask them to release ships from the planetary system defense fleets for us to use."
The chatter among the audience increased as this information sank in. Another bear-looking officer stood up, "Sir, those fleets contain mostly older destroyers and cruisers with a handful of Valivarre-class Battleships mixed in. They support planetary defense installations to defend the systems until fleet reinforcements arrive."
A grim expression etched Coulson's face, "I know, but we have no other options. Our main offensive power will be the fighters along with the more powerful fleet elements. We will integrate the other ships to provide support and point-defense for the assault transports. Because we are a new fleet with ships coming in from all over, we will need to train everyone hard, so we act as a cohesive unit. I'm going to the council this afternoon to make my presentation. Once we get the ships, I want to launch E-Day in twenty standard days. What I want before I go to the council is a training plan and schedule in place."
Coulson waited to let shock from his news wear off before continuing, "I have some good news. We have the 6th Marine Division with all supporting elements assigned for this operation to deal with Haydonite ground troops and installations. There are enough assault transports in system, that we can take the entire division in one jump. Also, Ambassador Tashe of the Invid will join us, bringing three Mollusk carriers. This will add to our fighter strength."
Coulson noted the looks among the officers at the news of the Invid joining the fleet, "Yes, I know the Haydonites will undoubtedly have PSI jammers with them. The Ambassador has assured me she can break through their jamming to help control and direct their fighters."
The General glanced around the room. He had nothing but respect and confidence in their abilities. These people were fighting for something bigger than themselves... they were fighting for their freedom and their existence.
"People, we are working against the clock here. I don't want to hear what we can't do. I want solutions, and hear what we can do," Coulson said. He then turned the meeting over to his Chief-of-Staff to present more details of the operation they were planning to retake Earth.
oOoOo
Willow did not know what to expect as she followed General Coulson, his aides, and Samantha to make his presentation to the Alliance Council.
Her head swirled as they entered a grand hall. It reminded her of something out of a movie. The huge circular conference table in the center of the hall caught her attention with a holographic display of the galaxy hovering over the middle of the table. There were eight seats at the table with other chairs arranged behind each seat. An atmosphere of serious importance hung over the room.
They weren't the first group to arrive as other groups of aliens were already here, either seated or mixing with the other delegations. She tried not to gawk too much as she took it all in.
She jumped with a start when one of Coulson's aides touched her on the shoulder. Her cheeks blushed with embarrassment while mumbling an apology to Captain Tami when she realized she was being directed where to go sit. She and Samantha quickly took seats behind General Coulson, who was just sitting behind a human seated at the conference table, and occasionally conversed with in whispers.
Captain Tami, sitting next to Willow, leaned in, "That is Ambassador Hampton, he is one of your civilian government representatives that came with the Arcadia. He was most instrumental along with General Coulson and Admiral Coleiro in helping to form the Alliance. The General is going to make his presentation to the Alliance Council."
Willow nodded, still trying to not show any lingering awkwardness from sitting next to a creature that looked like a fox. Glancing at the Captain, she couldn't help herself thinking of Oz and wondering how he was doing.
General Coulson stood as all the other people gathered took their seats, "Esteemed ambassadors, I am here today to ask for your help. As you have probably heard by now, the Haydonites have located my homeworld and launched an attack against it. We had hoped that distance and lack of information would protect her, but that is no longer the case."
Willow tried not to stare or show any fear as one alien, who looked like a demon from back home, spoke. The Perytonian ambassador's strong human-like voice caught her by surprise, "General, we have seen the reports. You and your people have our sympathies, but what is it you are asking of the council?"
General Coulson nodded to the Perytonian, "The 12th Grand Fleet under the command of Prelate Dejan has occupied Earth. Normally, we would use our main fleets to counterattack, but the timing of this Haydonite attack caught us by surprise. With Admiral Coleiro starting 'Operation Downfall' this has taken priority for all fleet reinforcements. The Admiral has given me orders to form a new fleet around the Arcadia's battle group, but we are short of ships. I am here today to ask you to release ships from the planetary defense fleets in your home systems and colony worlds. These ships will help liberate my homeworld."
Coulson's words set off murmuring among the ambassadors and their staffs. The General, reading the room, quickly added, "Ambassadors, I know I am asking a lot. We are limiting our request to ships from those fleets furthest from the fighting, and at the lowest risk to minimize any potential danger to your worlds and people."
The Spherisian ambassador spoke, "General, you are asking for us to leave our planets defenseless. There are still Haydonite raiding groups hitting some of our outer bases and supply lines. You are asking to leave our homeworlds and our colonies to their mercies, and we all know that the Haydonites show no mercy."
An unexpected surge of anger gripped Willow. She got the sense that these aliens didn't care about Earth and would let the planet and her people to continue suffering.
A large and very strong looking woman, dressed in bright armor, stood up from the table. The ambassador's risque clothing, which exposed a little more skin than what seemed appropriate for a meeting like this, took Willow by surprise. The ambassador reminded her of one of those amazon women from the Wonder Woman comics Xander used to read.
"My fellow ambassadors. For generations we languished under the oppression of the Haydonites. If it wasn't for the humans' assistance and sacrifices provided to all of us, we wouldn't be here today," the Praxian ambassador said, using a strong, husky, yet feminine voice.
Willow noted the nods of agreement from the others around the table. Her attention focused back on the Praxian as she continued, "All of us have seen our people suffer at the hands of the Haydonites. We have all experienced personally how our enemy treats those they deem inferior. My people will not forget the stories of those humans brought as prisoners to the detention camps on our world."
The ambassador paused, "I recommend we consider and vote on the General's request."
"I second the ambassador's motion. I believe we should put this to a vote," another voice quickly added.
Willow blinked in surprise, seeing the Invid ambassador now standing. She fought the urge to stand up and cheer at this sudden change in the situation.
"Thank you, Ambassador Tashe," replied the Praxian ambassador, giving the Invid a nod of respect.
"Do you speak for yourself or for the Regess?" the Perytonian ambassador queried.
"I speak for both..." Tashe replied, "I have known General Coulson for a long time. Whatever this council decides, he will still attempt to free his planet from our common enemy with whatever resources he has. Even though the Haydonites will use PSI jammers, I will accompany the General with three carriers loaded with mecha. We go with no illusions... we go because the humans are our allies and friends. We go because we do what we must."
"I say we put it to a vote now!" growled the bear-like Karbarran ambassador.
"That is not council procedure," the Perytonian ambassador said, "The humans, since they are the affected party, need to withdraw from the room. We will then discuss this matter and put it to a vote."
"To hell with the procedures!" the Karbarran ambassador growled again, "Like the Praxians, we too remember and will never forget the humans when they liberated our world. We remember the sacrifice of their soldiers to protect our children from those filthy machine creatures. I say we vote now! Karbarra votes yes to send whatever ships and troops we can spare to support the humans in retaking their planet!"
An air of tension and excitement gripped the room. Willow held her breath as she glanced around the room. Her gaze focused on the devil-looking, Perytonian ambassador, studying him. She could have sworn, seeing a wisp of a smirk on the ambassador's face as he shrugged.
"As my esteemed Karbarran colleague has voiced his opinion and feelings on the matter, I put the Praxian motion to the council for vote. All those in favor of releasing ships from our planetary defense fleets, indicate yes," the Perytonian said in a clear, firm voice.
Willow's heart pounded as each ambassador, around the table, either raised their hand or nodded in assent of the motion. It finally became the Perytonian ambassador's turn to vote.
Willow watched the alien as he gazed at the other delegations, before settling his gaze on the human delegation. She could feel the alien's eyes as he spoke, "Even though I have concerns about this operation, I must agree with my fellow ambassadors. We owe much to the humans. If we are going to succeed and thrive within this Alliance, then we must either stand or fall together. We do what we must to help the humans and their world..."
oOoOo
Paul, lying in bed, tossed and turned. Even with exhaustion weighing on him, his mind raced as he struggled to rest. Fleet deployments, reserve strength, and attack timetables jumbled and twirled in his thoughts. He tried to find any extra ships he could divert to Coulson's fleet, but there was nothing available. Everything was going into the offensive, and he wasn't going to call it off... there was too much at stake, both for the Alliance and himself.
There's still one more card to play, he thought, giving up on rest as he got out of bed and went to his desk.
He made sure the encryption and security protocols were in place as he typed the commands into his communications console. Even with all security in place, this call was being routed through multiple relay stations throughout Alliance controlled space.
He already knew the answer he was going to get from the latest projects updates he'd reviewed. But knowing who was overseeing this project had him hoping for a miracle.
He waited a little longer than usual for the static to clear. Finally, a familiar older woman's face appeared on the video screen.
"Hello Admiral, what can I do for you today?"
"Hello, Chief. I need to talk to you about your 'little hobby project' you're working on?"
Chief Rachel Larson read her friend's face, "Sir, what's wrong?"
Paul sighed, a grim expression clouding his face, "The Haydonites blindsided us... they located Earth and have attacked it."
Her gasp was audible over the video link, "H-How? How did they find her? How did we find out?" she said, trying to digest this news.
Paul quickly brought Rachel up to speed on everything he knew, "I don't know how they found Earth. But they're in a world of hurt if Prelate Dejan is in command."
"So when are you taking the 1st Fleet back to Earth and handing that bastard his ass?" Rachel said, giving him a smirk.
Paul didn't reply right away and Larson's grin faded, realizing that something else was going on, "You're going to counterattack? Aren't you? You've left everyone back there hanging for the last five years! They probably think we're all dead," she said, shaking her head in disbelief.
Paul answered, "Chief... Rachel... It's not that simple—"
"SCREW YOU! IT IS SIMPLE!" Rachel shouted, not hiding her growing anger anymore.
If it had been anyone else, Paul would have torn a strip from them. Larson and he had too many years together. She was the only person—besides Faith—that could get away with something like this, "Rachel... I've already launched 'Downfall', and everything is in flux. The 2nd Fleet got mauled in the counterattack and all our reserves are going into the offensive. I've got Coulson forming a new fleet around his battle group. He's scrapping the barrel, with whatever he can find to build up his forces. With 'Downfall' underway, and the 12th Grand Fleet at Earth, we've got an enormous opportunity to hit the enemy core systems hard, and maybe end this war early!"
"Damn... I knew that you were a cold-blooded bastard," she said angrily, "You'd be in good company with Breetai or Edwards—"
As soon as that name left her lips, she realized her mistake as the expression on Paul's face changed, "Chief Petty Officer Larson! I will not debate the merits of my offensive strategies with you!" he barked, letting her know she'd crossed the line.
Rachel wished she could take the words back, but it was too late, "Yes, sir!" she snapped back.
Paul took a deep breath, getting his emotions back under control, "The reason I'm calling is to check on the status of your 'hobby project'?"
Rachel shook her head, "You've got our latest status reports. We can start shakedown trials in three months at the earliest."
Paul didn't blink, "Chief, you have twenty days to get weapons, defensive systems and propulsion online," he said.
Rachel's eyes widened in shock. Her first thought was maybe he was joking, but the stern, hard expression carved on his face told her otherwise, "Jesus, Paul...! Admiral, there's no way! I mean we've got main power, and installed most of her weapon systems, but the main gun hasn't even been test fired yet. We haven't installed the emitters for the omni-directional shield! The only shielding online is the pin-point barrier. Hell, the space-fold engines won't be ready to install for two months! All we could bring online is maneuvering engines and thrusters. She's not ready to go into battle!"
Rachel's pleas fell on deaf ears, "I don't need her to fold. I just need her able to fight! Can you have her ready in twenty days?" Paul said.
Rachel already realized what Paul was going to do with her 'hobby project'. When he approached her two years ago with this idea, she had said it would be years to build a ship like her. Not that she didn't have the specs or designs to build this ship. She had design blueprints and specs of all the REF ships from their universe.
Her original estimates to build this ship were seven to ten years, but as the Alliance grew and expanded that timeline decreased. What really sped up this project was the liberation of Karbarra. With the capture of the Haydonite automated factories combined with Karbarran industrialism now brought this project to the verge of completion.
It wasn't like we had to figure anything out or re-invent everything. We just had to have the resources and capacity to build her, Rachel thought, studying Paul's hard expression. She understood what was at stake, realizing the Admiral wouldn't be making this request unless the situation called for it.
Rachel sighed in resignation as her mind raced, "If I focus all the construction crews and equipment, we could bring primary and most of the secondary weapons online. We could install shield emitters to the forward section of the hull, jury-rigging them into the power grid. This would give us some protection beyond the pin-point barrier and her armor. As long as you don't need her to do any fancy maneuvering, I might cobble something together in time, but she won't be pretty."
A small smile broke Paul's hard expression, "Thanks Chief. I knew that I could count on you. Once I have more details on the operational plan, I will update you."
"Sir, we have one more problem," Rachel said.
"What's that?"
"She'll need a crew. I have some Navy personnel here, but most of my people are construction workers or engineers. The sooner the better, they can help with construction while learning the ship's systems," she replied.
"How many do you need?"
"Normal ship's complement for the SDF-3 was twenty-five hundred, but a lot of those people were for engineering and other support roles. I could use at least a thousand."
Paul nodded, "You'll have them. I'll cut the orders as soon as I'm off this call."
Rachel nodded, "Thank you, sir... Though there is one more thing."
Paul heaved a deep tired sigh, "What is it, Chief?"
"We'll need a Captain..."
Paul snorted, giving the Chief another smile, "That won't be a problem. I have the perfect person in mind for the job."
oOoOo
President Kinsey sat at his desk in the Oval Office, gazing out the window at the White House grounds. He basked in the illusion of peace hanging over the grounds. It could almost make him believe that things were as they used to be. Then reality would intrude, catching glimpses of the huge terrifying-looking Haydonite armored soldiers patrolling the grounds, shattering the illusion.
The sight of those soldiers—Reavers—still caused him to shudder. He turned around to gaze upon the Oval Office. Only a few days ago, the room was a symbol of the power he held along with his grand plans and dreams for even more power. Now, the room mocked him. He now only served at the whims of alien overlords as a minor functionary, with no idea of how long he would remain useful to them.
The report on his desk, labelled "Top Secret", again drew his eyes. He didn't need to read the report again, its depressing contents burned into his memory.
The report, put together by several agencies using available intelligence sources, was an analysis of the alien forces and their occupation of the planet. So far, the Haydonites had limited their occupation of the planet to certain areas, quickly building fortified bases and compounds.
There was no information about what was taking place inside those newly constructed bases. What they knew was that Earth's new overlords weren't shy about conscripting local labor to use in constructing their bases. The only thing discerned from the information gathered was of something ominous going on behind those alien walls and fortifications. People were going into those bases, but nobody was coming out.
Not that putting up resistance made any difference. The report also contained detailed examples of incidents in the United States and around the world. The aliens showed no mercy, cutting down those who resisted, and rounding up any survivors to take into their bases.
Kinsey never even considered resistance. His thoughts solely focused on survival... his survival. He kept wondering how he could maintain his position and raise himself in the eyes of humanity's new overlords.
So far he had agreed to everything the Haydonites had demanded. It wasn't like he had much choice in the matter. Other than some grumbling from mostly the military people, no one in his cabinet was speaking out in favor of resistance.
The strangest part was that life outside of the areas struck in the initial attack and occupied by the Haydonites was continuing on as it always had. The aliens were allowing humans to continue operating normally where it suited them. They seemed to realize that disrupting and throwing everything into chaos was not completely in their best interests.
Most people were accepting of this facade because the reality was too terrifying to contemplate, but Kinsey was a realist, with a survival instinct. He realized the facade couldn't continue forever. Eventually, something would happen, and he needed to position himself if he was going to survive.
What also worried him was The First Evil's current lack of presence. He'd hoped for at least some support or guidance. A muffled commotion outside his door ended any further thoughts or worries about The First Evil's lack of appearances.
Kinsey's heart raced as the commotion grew louder, and then it was suddenly quiet. As the door opened, fear clawed at Kinsey, and it took all of his self-control not to cower under his desk as a cloaked Haydonite entered the Oval Office.
The President struggled to maintain an outward semblance of calm as he took deep breaths. He put on his best poker face as the alien stopped in front of his desk, a red light glowing beneath the creature's hood.
It's not right... They should have faces... If they had faces, I could at least get a reading on them, he thought.
"President Kinsey, I am Rector Nunan of the Inquisitor sect."
Kinsey took another deep breath to compose himself, "How may I be of assistance to you, Rector."
"From our experience with your people from your Arcadia Expedition and our interrogations of prisoners, we have gleamed a great deal of information about your people, society and culture."
Kinsey raised an eyebrow in slight surprise at the alien's statement. He didn't know where this conversation was going, but his instincts were telling him there was an opportunity, "You have a question about us you want to ask?"
"We know of those women called 'Slayers' and have gathered some information about them. But we find our records are incomplete regarding them. We do not like having incomplete information," the Haydonite replied.
This only confused Kinsey more. Why would these aliens be asking questions about Slayers? Yet, despite any confusion, he wasn't going to question it as he still sensed any opportunity to gain something for himself.
"I'm familiar with Slayers. But as far as I recall, no Slayers went with the Arcadia... only Potentials," Kinsey replied.
His mind raced as he started putting pieces together, Only Potentials went with the Arcadia. It wasn't until that witch cast that spell, turning them all into Slayers! We were lucky that didn't blow up in our faces. Why would these aliens be so concerned about Slayers?
Kinsey's senses and instincts were tingling even more now. He got the sense that the Haydonites were hiding something. This was the time to take a risk. If he could find out why they were so interested in Slayers, he might spin it to his advantage.
Kinsey applied his experienced political poker face as he spoke, "We've had our own troubles with Slayers here on Earth. They've caused nothing but trouble for us, engaging in their penchant for violence and destruction. Actually, before you... um... arrived here, we were engaged in hunting them down."
Kinsey studied the alien as he spoke, noting that its glowing eye started strobing more quickly. This giveaway tell seemed to confirm his suspicions and instincts.
While Kinsey was engaged in trying to gain some personal advantage, Rector Nunan was studying the human for his own purposes. Nunan was building a psychological dossier on the President, so they could manipulate and use this human for their own needs.
From their previous dealings with organics, they had extensive data records and psychological profiles. The Rector noted that this human would cooperate for self-gain and self-interest. He steered the conversation in the direction that would gain what the Hegemony wanted, "Yes, we have had difficulties when dealing with these Slayers. Of course, the Hegemony will show its appreciation and gratitude to those that assist us in this matter."
Kinsey's thoughts raced as new opportunities beckoned. His political instincts cried warnings to him as he got the sense that the Haydonite was trying to manipulate him. Again, it didn't matter as long as the reward was worth it.
"Of course, anything I can do to assist you and the Hegemony to remove any problems," Kinsey replied, flashing his trademark campaign-style smile.
Nunan noted the human's reactions, "We are interested in one particular Slayer."
Kinsey maintained his poker face to not show any surprise, "And who would that be?"
"We want the Slayer named Faith..."